Travel Away: Canada-US Customs Rules
Canadians Returning to Canada After an absence of 24 hours or more You can claim goods (except tobacco & alcohol) with a total value of $50. If you are over, you must pay duty on the full amount, and cannot claim this exemption After an absence of 48 hours or more You can claim goods for a total value of $200. Only the portion over this limit is dutiable. After an absence of 7 days or more You can claim an exemption for $500. Only the portion over this limit is dutiable. For more information, check out Canada Customs or Canadian Foreign Affairs web sites. Entering the USA: The United States Customs & Immigration has pre-clearing stations in most Canadian airports (and in major inland and coastal harbours) to enable immigration and customs formalities to be completed before the commencement of your trip. Canadians who have a criminal record are not allowed into the USA, under its zero-tolerance policy. American Residents returning to USA After an absence under 48 hours may bring back merchandise for their use up to $200 (subject to limitations on liquors, cigarettes & cigars). If any part of this exemption is exceeded, the entire amount is subject to duty. After 48 hours a $400 exemption per person is applicable, which may be grouped with other family members. Only the portion over $400 is dutiable. For more information check out the US Customs website. NEXUS Expedited Border Crossing This program is handy for frequent cross-border travellers or those living close to border communities. Pre-approved, low-risk travelers receive a NEXUS identification card and may use NEXUS-dedicated lanes & kiosks into the United States or Canad across with a minimum of customs & immigration questioning. NEXUS is a harmonized program (between the two countries) so applicants complete a single application and pay one fee. Individuals may qualify to participate in NEXUS if they are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada, residing in either country, or if they are a citizen of a country other than Canada or the United States who plans to temporarily reside lawfully in Canada or the United States for the term of their NEXUS membership and who pass criminal history and law enforcement checks. New (Planned) US Entry Requirements A concerted effort on both sides of the border is underway to reverse the US plan to require passports for every individual entering the country by the end of 2007. However, until then the US’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” will require all travellers to the US – including Canadian and US citizens – to have a passport or other secure, accepted document, to enter or re-enter the United States by Jan. 1, 2008.” Previously, Canadian citizens have not been required to present a passport to enter the US and other forms of documents have historically been accepted. This initiative will be rolled out in phases with the following proposed timeline:
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When entering either Canada or the USA: You must have proof of citizenship, in the form of a birth certificate (with photo ID like drivers licence), passport, visa, or alien registration card. Citizens and residents of some countries (other than Canadians or Americans) may require a visa before entering. Enquire with the Canadian or US embassy in your country of departure.
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